Thomas Cook Airlines Work Experience - Updated from 2016

Dear All,

I was fortunate enough to be offered the amazing opportunity to be 'cabin crew' for a day with Thomas Cook Airlines!

Here is how the day was...

--

I awoke at 3AM to my alarm gradually getting louder and I felt a buzz of excitement with a hint of nervousness. [I had never been 'actual' crew before!] My mind was whirling with questions: 'What will the passengers think of me?', 'How will people react when they see me walking through the terminal?', 'I wonder what aircraft we will be on?' and much more went flying around my head!

I then got up and proceeded to get ready for the day... it was still dark outside. My body was gaining awareness of what time it was but still I was taking it all in my stride. To wake myself up, I went into the bathroom and turned on the light; all of a sudden my eyes opened and I 'sprang to life'.

Once I had done that, I went back to my bedroom and got out my uniform. I took my black suit dress off its hanger and changed out of my pyjamas, then tied my Thomas Cook scarf around my neck, put my blazer [suit jacket] on and attached the Thomas Cook heart pin, name badge and wings.

I now 'looked the part' and to finish the look off, I tied my hair up and applied minimal makeup. After all, crew should - in my opinion - look natural. 

Once completely satisfied that I 'looked the part' I went downstairs and gathered my passport and books together and placed them into a small bag. I then quickly grabbed a cereal bar and a bottle of water - which I would drink in the car - my dad then nodded and we headed for the door.

Now it was time for the 'commute'. My dad drove and we talked about the details provided by the airline and decide the best place to park would be the short-stay car park at Stansted Airport as it is near the terminal. [I am also lucky that I live close to an airport so the journey was just over 1h30m.]

As we approached the airport, I prepared for my busy day. I felt a chill down my spine as we exited the vehicle due to the cool temperature of the morning, it was still dark, we then walked to the terminal and entered the doors.

The bright lights of the check-in zone guided me to the TCA desk where I was met with a queue of passengers who were getting ready to go on holiday, visit family and some even were moving to new countries! We talked to a ground staff member who pointed us in the direction of a special desk to check-in; the airport and the team were aware of what was happening within TCA that day and were expecting us.

Once we checked in, we received tickets however ours had no seat numbers as we were on standby.

Then we headed to security and went through. As it was early in the morning, not many shops were open so I went to the toilets and then walked around the terminal until our flight was called. To add excitement to the day, passengers would look at me when I walked through security and in the terminal - I think they were shocked at how young I was!

Then our flight was called and we proceeded to the gate where a person checked out boarding cards and passport. The cabin manager Hollie had asked for someone to meet us and escort us to the aircraft, we then met her for the first time and she introduced me to the crew. 

As the flight was boarding, the crew took me down to the back of the Airbus A321 and we talked in the galley about the flight and helped passengers stow baggage or help find their seats. Once boarding was complete, we took our seats [PAX seats] and then we took off.

Once airborne and when the 'fasten-seatbelt sign' had been switched off, some of the crew came to get me and led me back to the galley. I then watched how they prepare for a service and learnt where the crew stow to food. It was then my turn to help out. I started by handing out headsets to passengers, so they could listen to the overhead screen.

We then moved on to preparing for the next service and check on our passengers. [We checked the toilets and dealt with any passenger queries.] Then it was time to make my announcement via a PA. I made my PA about the Thomas Cook Children's Charity and how passengers could support the charity by purchasing scratch cards which could enable the passengers to win whilst helping others.

The crew then went out selling the bingo cards and I collected any change passengers had for the charity and then reported to the cabin manager and we helped set up for the next service.

As time flew, we prepared the cabin for landing and returned to our seats. Once landed the CM gave the landing announcement to the passengers. The announcement contained information about the local area and weather condition, it also included the time and its difference. [We landed in PMI]

Once on stand, we said our goodbyes to our passengers and started the turn around process; in total the turn-around takes 1h at TCA. Contract cleaners came on-board and cleaned the cabin, whilst I learnt how to keep the toilets standards up and where everything is stowed. Once the toilets had been replenished, I helped set up the seats for the next passengers. 

We placed the seatbelt in an overlapped position on the seat and made sure the armrests were down. We also checked that the window blinds were up and that the overhead bins were clear of any; for security reasons. The crew then checked the doors and I observed. In addition to the seat preparation, we also made sure the inflight magazines/ safety card were in a certain order.

Once we had prepared the cabin we had some spare time so the crew showed me some of the emergency equipment and we discussed how they are used. I then went to the flight deck and met the pilots. I then had some photos taken and the crew made sure their appearances were still immaculate.

Then it was time for our return flight. Our outbound flight from Stansted was a full flight yet our return from PMI was barely full. We welcomed our few passengers on board and closed the main door. A passenger who was travelling with an infant asked me for an extension seatbelt and I told the crew who gave me an extension seatbelt and infants life jacket to give to the passenger. I then passed the equipment over to the passenger and then took my seat.

The crew then armed their doors and reported to the senior crew member who then contacted the pilots. They then started the safety demonstration which is a legal requirement on every flight.

Once again, we took off and then after we could 'release' I went on my way and helped the crew.

I then helped them with their duties on-board and before I knew it we were starting our descent into Stansted.

When we landed, just like before, Hollie gave the landing announcement and welcomed the few passengers back to Stansted. She then gave the crew to 'disarm the aircraft doors, cross check and all-call'.  The Airbus A321 then came back on stand where I said my goodbyes to the passengers who complemented me on my service and then my farewells to the crew.

I then, just like all other passengers, exited the aircraft and followed the signs for 'Arrivals and Immigration'. I then proceeded through passport control and left the airport.

--

A massive thank you to Thomas Cook Airlines for giving me this fantastic opportunity which has given me a brilliant insight into what it is like to be cabin crew. I will remember this day forever.

Thank you so much!

                     

            [From left to right: Patsy, me and Hollie.]                   Helping out during turn around. [seat back pocket organisation.]